I have a 73-75 F250 3/4 longbed running I believe the heavy duty sets of leaf springs. The reason I say 73-75 is it was a body swap. So it's a 73 Camper Special sitting on a highboy chassis, which makes it difficult to search parts sometimes. As I understand they made a heavy set in the rears for the camper special, I'm having a shop tell me that all four sets on my truck are "sagging" and thus making my rig come out of alignment. It didn't do this before, and I'm wondering if they're trying to take me for a ride. I get that after time these sets will sag, but this truck was never used to haul a ton of weight, but like all of these it did sit for a number of years. Should I source all new leaf sets for my pickup at this point? If so, do you guys have suggestions? I have a really nice set of Toyo's on her, and I don't want to just run them down if it's out of spec. But I also don't want to spend a grand on leaves if I don't have to.
Thanks again folks.

 

Hi,

It would be great if someone was able to answer. I have some leaf spring problems too.

 

Well, since I posted this I learned a couple things on my own. I know that "To serial no. Y20,001" means 1975 and under and on these. So I found a bunch of different manufacturers that still produce leaf springs packs. This one was one of the easiest websites to navigate:
Michigan Truckspring
Truck Suspension, Bilstein Shocks, Firestone Air Bags, Timbren, Leaf Springs - TruckSpring.com
This is I think what I need, but I also will be getting fronts as well.
3200 lbs Capacity Ford Replacement Leaf Spring, 10 Leaf Rear Replacement Spring, 43-469 - TruckSpring.com
They have some of the cheaper packs as well, but does that possibly indicate lesser quality? Could be. I wouldn't know. But they seem to carry exactly what I need. I'm most like going to end up replacing the U-bolts and bushings and all that other crap as well. Of course these things always land when I'm not very fluid on cash, but oh well. I'll make something happen. You have to pinpoint exactly what packs(kits) need to go in there, or it would be a hassle shipping stuff back if you got the wrong gear.

 

All four springs are sagging and won't hold alignment... I guess that is possible. Do you by chance have a printout from the alignment? Or did they tell you what was out?

The other question is how does it drive? Are there tire wear issues?

Getting the toe right should be easy regardless of springs. That is most important for tire wear.

Camber also is not really related to springs... it is in the axle/front knuckle.

Caster would have most potential to be affected by springs. If it is more positive than spec no biggie IMO. My truck is like that. I could add tapered axle shims to correct it but no need. If caster is low or negative, it may promote wobble. I would not be happy with low or especially negative caster.

 

I will probably have to do the same with my U-joints bolts, and the way this truck is going everything else plus some to have them be correct. Good luck!

 

Sounds to me like you need to find a new shop or align it yourself. Id like to see a picture of this truck.

 

Make sure to measure the width of your springs as some are 2.75", 3" and either 3.25 or 3.5" wide. I've got a set of srw f350 and drw leafs up here but they're from 2wd's and I'm in Alberta, pita unless your on the rodeo circuit and are coming up for the pizz up, er stampede.

 

Thats not correct... Y20,001 should go to mid Feb of 77

 

You are correct, sorry about that.

I did have a chance to fully examine my leaf packs, and came to the conclusion that they need to be replaced. They're just too old and I don't think they can be repaired(re-bent?) They have some spacing, and the brackets that pack them together are somewhat blown out.

I bought new leaf springs! And had an interesting customer service experience so far, and we'll see how long they take to get here. Hopefully pretty quick, I ended up spending a ton on shipping. But they aren't exactly a light or small item.

 

I do have that printout, I'll see if I can't scan it and get it up. I don't have enough knowledge to fully understand what's happening under there, but I don't think they were trying to rip me off. Just like any shop they saw an opportunity to do a ton of work and order all the parts, but I like those boys.

 

F250 4WD High Boy: 1967/76 F250 4WD - 1977 F250 4WD before serial number Y20,001 (February 1977).

1973/77 F250 4WD (High Boys) have either a 5 or 6 leaf front spring pack.

There are different load rates: 5 leaf spring pack: 1550 lbs. / 6 leaf spring pack: 1550 or 1775 lbs.
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1973/77 F250 4WD (High Boys) could have either a 6 leaf (1975 lbs. load rate) or 9 leaf (2700 lbs. load rate) rear spring pack.

An optional auxiliary single (1) leaf spring (550 lbs. load rate) was available for both. These rear springs are the same: 1967/77 F250 4WD (High Boys).
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The serial number is the last 6 digits of the VIN. These serial numbers pertain to ALL series of trucks, Bronco's & Econolines.

33 1/2" width between the inner frame rails behind the cab: 1961/72 F100/350 / 1973/76 F250 4WD / 1977 F250 4WD before serial number Y20,001 / 1973/79 F350.

37 1/2" width between the inner frame rails behind the cab: 1973/79 F100 & F250 2WD / 1975/79 F150 / 1977 F250 4WD from serial number Y40,001 / 1978/79 F250 4WD

 

I already apologized NumberDummy! Stop making me feel like a turd!

hahahaha

 

he likes to show off his superiority.
There is a vendor on the forum that sells leaf's I understand they are really cheap too. But I haven't looked at what you posted for a comparison.
echo Blue & white, sounds like they are looking for a paycheck.

 

These guys arent a sponsor of the site but they are an industrial spring maker. Standem spring, with the exchange rate on our $$$ they should be cheaper than usual. Standems dont have a national advertising program to pay for either. Go online to find out how thier priced andto find out shipping.